HUDSON – Memories of a Hudson boy are kept alive as his family prepares for the 12th Riding for Sherry’s House and Why Me.
The motorcycle ride is organized by Lenore and John Musorofiti in memory of their step-grandson Nicky Cremins, who died at age 8 of bone cancer in 2001.
This year’s fundraiser will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11, beginning and ending at the Hudson Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #643 at 271 Cox St. Others can join riders afterward for a barbecue and raffles.
‘Always a Why Me family’
Nicky’s family gets support from Why Me.
Founded in 1985, Why Me is a Worcester-based nonprofit that helps families free of charge as they cope with childhood cancer. Since 2004, Why Me’s headquarters is at Sherry’s House, which also serves as a home away from home for families while their child receives treatment.
The Musorofitis understand the value of being a Why Me family.
“Once a Why Me family, always a Why Me family,” Lenore said. “Long after remission or the passing of a child, families still continue to get help from Why Me.”
To date, the Musorofitis’ fundraising efforts have collected about $130,000 for the cause.
Fundraiser’s ongoing support
The Musorofitis are Eagles members and appreciate the club’s ongoing assistance.
“We couldn’t do this fundraiser without the Eagles’ support,” Lenore said.
“The day before and day of the ride, an incredible amount of Eagles members help set up and serve food,” John said.
“We have quite a large spread of food and some great raffle items,” Lenore added.
Support for the ride also comes from the Hudson Fire Department, where John Musorofiti worked as a firefighter for 30 years beginning in 1975.
A fire truck escorts the riders from the Eagles lot and through Hudson. A large U.S. flag will once again hang from atop the department’s ladder truck on Coolidge Street to welcome the riders back to Hudson.
“It’s absolutely wonderful and the fire department enjoys doing this for us,” John said.
Other first responders also contribute to the ride’s success.
“Police from all the towns that we go through will direct traffic at the intersections,” he noted.
The ride travels a 63-mile route to Princeton and back.
‘Kids shouldn’t have cancer’
Lenore invites Why Me family members to speak during the barbecue about their firsthand experience with childhood cancer.
“Kids shouldn’t have cancer,” she said. “I do this fundraiser to support all those families whose children have cancer as well as families who have lost their child to cancer – like ours. We do this ride to remember Nicky.”
Nicky is remembered as an active second-grader at Forest Avenue Elementary School while a Cub Scout in Den 4, Pack 4. He played T-ball, held an orange belt in karate and was an avid fisherman.
Riders’ donation is $20 per person. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The ride starts at 11 a.m. Walk-ins for the barbecue for $10 are welcomed at 1:30 p.m.
Learn more about Why Me and Sherry’s House at whyme.org and facebook.com/WhyMeSherrysHouse.
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